The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's ancient universities. The university has a long and rich history, and has produced many notable alumni in a variety of fields, including science, literature, and politics. Today, the University of Edinburgh is a leading research-intensive university, with a global reputation for academic excellence and a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world.

One of the most attractive characteristics of this four-year programme is its flexibility.

In Years 1 and 2 your pre-honours years you will choose option courses from a wide range of disciplines in addition to your core subjects of Scandinavian Studies and Social Policy.

As well as broadening your education and skill set this may enable you to change the focus of your programme in Years 3 and 4 your honours years.

Year 1
Scandinavian Studies
You will take an intensive beginners' language course in either Danish Norwegian or Swedish.

Each course also involves studying literature and culture.

Social Policy
You will take Social Policy & Society. In this course we will introduce you to core concepts in the analysis of key government policy areas. We do this by contrasting various lenses through which we can understand social policy. You will explore the consequences of different policy decisions by governments on different parts of society.

You will also study Politics of the Welfare State which examines social policy as a political issue in the UK. It introduces you to the politics of the area that constitutes one of the largest sets of government expenditure.

Option courses
To broaden the scope of your study you will also choose option courses from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh.

These include two courses in Scandinavian Civilisation which provide an overview of important trends in the history society culture and politics of the Scandinavian and wider Nordic world from the earliest times to the present.

We would encourage you to take one or both of these over the course of Years 1 and 2.

Other options include but are not limited to courses in:

business economics and informatics

politics social policy and social anthropology

art and architectural history

history classics and archaeology

Celtic and Scottish ethnology

linguistics and language sciences

philosophy divinity and law

You can also opt to study another language. We offer one of the widest ranges of languages of any UK university. The majority are suitable for complete beginners and include cultural study.

Year 2
Scandinavian Studies
You will continue with Danish Language 2 Norwegian Language 2 or Swedish Language 2 building on your linguistic knowledge from Year 1.

You will also take further courses in Scandinavian literature and languages. You can for example choose to develop your skills in understanding the similarities and differences between Danish Norwegian and Swedish.

Social Policy
You will take Comparative Social Policy: Global Perspectives which compares different approaches to social policy in European and non-European countries.

You will also take Evidence Politics and Policy. This course will enable you to critically assess how evidence is used or misused by different actors and in the media to influence public opinion.

Option courses
As in Year 1 you will also choose option courses from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh.

These include a great selection in European languages and cultures allowing you to study literature film and theatre in themed and comparative contexts.

Year 3
If international travel restrictions allow you will spend your third year in either Denmark Norway or Sweden either studying or completing a work/teaching placement.

Whether studying or working our graduates have told us how much the year abroad has benefited their broader life experience and skills as well as their understanding of Scandinavian culture.

During your year abroad we will aim to ensure your experience is as beneficial as possible to your final year as well as to your wider language learning cultural awareness and skills development.

You will complete prescribed work in both Social Policy and Scandinavian Studies. For example you will take an e-learning language course which will count as part of your Year 3 mark and prepare you for your final year courses in either Danish Norwegian or Swedish.

If international travel is not possible you will be offered an alternative means of engaging with your subjects enabling you to meet your learning outcomes and preparing you for your final year.

Year 4
You will develop advanced spoken and written skills in your chosen Scandinavian language - Danish Norwegian or Swedish.

You will take a course in Analytical Perspectives in Social Policy.

There are a wide range of specialist honours-level courses in both Scandinavian Studies and Social Policy to choose from.

You will complete your dissertation or long essay.

Programme structure
Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme we publish the latest available information. However please note this may not be for your year of entry but for a different academic year.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class research-intensive university that has been shaping the minds of students for over four centuries. Founded in 1583, it is one of Scotland's ancient universities and the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university is located in the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, medicine, business, and law. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and its graduates are known for their high level of education and employability. The university is home to some of the world's most respected research centers and institutes, including the Edinburgh College of Art, the Royal Observatory, and the Human Communication Research Centre.

Throughout its history, the University of Edinburgh has produced many notable alumni, including economist Adam Smith, philosopher David Hume, and Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's most famous writers. The university has also produced seven Nobel Prize winners, including Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, and Peter Higgs, who proposed the Higgs boson particle.

The University of Edinburgh is also known for its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is home to several leading research centers and institutes that specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy. The university also has a strong emphasis on student engagement, and it encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs and societies, and volunteer work.

The University of Edinburgh is a diverse and inclusive community, with students and staff from all over the world. The university provides students with a supportive and challenging environment, where they can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world, making it an excellent choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education and a great student experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it